What is the Zoo doing about pest control?
The National Zoo is located in the heart of a major city, Washington, D.C., and like many of our neighbors we experience problems with rodents and other pests. In addition, zoos are excellent havens for rodents, due to the food supply and outdoor environment. Although we take measures to control animals that are not part of the Zoo – including rodents, foxes and some birds – we will never be able to exclude them entirely. Wild birds and creative foxes sometimes find ways to enter and leave our open-air exhibits despite our preventative measures. We are committed to reducing unwanted rodents and pests. The latest steps that we have taken can be found in the Pest Management Update.
